Alternative energy businesses try to snag their share of federal and state dollars

Officials touting state as first stop for green companies

The swelling interest from both consumers and government in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power is powering the creation of an eclectic industry and green collar jobs that Maryland hopes to garner.

It's a trend that's suddenly gaining momentum as the Obama administration puts more emphasis on tapping such energy for electricity and other needs.

Among those benefiting is Potomac Wind Energy of Dickerson.

Last week, a $23,000 windmill from the company was erected at a Charles County residence — the first residential wind turbine in the county. Funded in part by a $6,000 state grant and a $6,000 federal tax credit, it can generate electricity in wind speeds ranging from 8 to 29 mph. While the company has sold 85 windmills to residents in other states, it was its first sold to a Maryland resident.

Boom in clean energy'

Last year, Maryland lost a net 15,100 jobs, its first calendar-year job loss in several years, according to U.S. Department of Labor figures. Its unemployment rate was 6.2 percent in January, and the number of employers notifying the state of layoffs in January and February equaled the total filings in the first half of 2008. But a few sectors, including green industries, seem to be resisting the recession.

The state does not monitor and track the number of green jobs, because they are often classified in other categories. However, Maryland agencies have been busy promoting the state as a first stop for green companies. State economic and energy officials, along with several business representatives, recently attended a trade convention in Las Vegas.

"Maryland is well-positioned to take advantage of this boom in clean energy," said Malcolm Woolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration. "We're putting Maryland in the top echelon of green energy states and are being successful in getting our name out there."

Green jobs training programs nationwide are set to receive $500 million in federal money, part of President Obama's $70 billion plan for greening the economy under the $787 billion stimulus package.

Maryland's Green Collar Job program has already begun training potential workers in how to outfit homes to reduce energy consumption. So far, roughly 124 people have been trained and 160 more are on the waiting list, Woolf said.

Clean Currents of Rockville, which sells electricity from wind farms across the country, is set to add between 30 and 40 employees in the next year. But owner Gary Skulnik is worried about legislation that would reregulate the state's electric industry.

"It all depends on what happens in Annapolis," Skulnik said, adding that if the state opts to regulate prices, it would pinch out his company's competitive edge. "There may not be room for Clean Currents."

Skulnik on March 11 announced that Clean Currents, which now employs 10, could provide Pepco and Baltimore Gas & Electric customer with lower bills through renewable energy credits. He estimated the prices, which could be locked in for two years, would be $10 to $15 lower than this year's summer rates. The following day, the number of Clean Currents consumers quadrupled, he said.